ChromaDex, Inc. Signs Material Transfer Agreement With Leading Dutch University For NIAGEN Research

IRVINE, Calif., March 12, 2014 /PRNewswire/ --ChromaDex Corp. (OTCQB: CDXC), an innovative natural products company that provides proprietary ingredients and science-based solutions to the dietary supplement, food and beverage, animal health, cosmetic and pharmaceutical industries, announced today it has entered into a material transfer agreement (MTA) with the Groningen Biomolecular Sciences & Biotechnology Institute (GBB), a leading research institute at the University of Groningen in the Netherlands. ChromaDex will provide GBB with quantities of its proprietary NIAGENnicotinamide riboside (NR) ingredient.

NIAGEN is the first and only commercially available form of NR, a naturally-occurring vitamin B3 derivative. NR is naturally found in the whey fraction of milk and beer, and it is a potent precursor to NAD+ in the cell. NAD+ is essential to healthy cell metabolism.

Dr. Michael Jaehme, a researcher at the GBB, will investigate the uptake of NR into cells and how it is converted in the biologically active nucleotides NMN and NAD+. In addition to co-crystallization experiments to study the molecular basis of NR protein interactions, he aims to determine binding constants to quantify the efficiency of cellular NR utilization. Examining these interactions at the molecular level can yield valuable insight into how NR exerts its biological effects.

Dr. Jaehme commented, "Transport as the first step of NR utilization is poorly understood in humans, as well as in bacteria. A pathogenic microorganism that is dependent on the uptake of NR to acquire NAD+ is Haemophilus influenzae. Although mammalian NR transport systems have not been identified, uptake systems homologous to the bacterial ones are not present. That shows the potential of prokaryotc NR uptake and utilization pathways as drug targets. We are glad to have the possibility to investigate these mechanisms with the help of ChromaDex."

"The health benefits of nicotinamide riboside are supported by a large body of scientific evidence," said Frank Jaksch, Jr., founder and CEO of ChromaDex. "Specifically, NR is a potent precursor to NAD+, an essential element of all living cells that is vital for the health of mitochondria, the energy powerhouses of the cell. In fact, a recently published study by Dr. David Sinclair of Harvard Medical School affirmed the role of NAD+ boosters in supporting healthy aging. This partnership with GBB is the latest in a number of important collaborations with leading research institutes to advance scientific understanding of NR and its mechanism of action."

NAD+ is an essential element of all living cells that plays a key role in cellular metabolism and energy production. NAD+ is vital for the health of mitochondria, the powerhouses of the cell that convert sugars, fats and proteins into energy for use by the body. As organisms age, levels of NAD+ drop, which leads to a decrease in mitochondrial health; this in turn leads to age-related health concerns. Low NAD+ levels limit the activity of a group of enzymes called sirtuins that are believed to play a key role in longevity. NAD+ levels can also be depleted by lifestyle choices such as overeating and lack of exercise. By boosting NAD+ levels, NR can increase mitochondrial health and induce the creation of new mitochondria, thus supporting cell performance, endurance, metabolism, neuroprotection, healthy aging and cardiovascular health.

NIAGEN has the potential to become part of the portfolio of B-vitamin ingredients that are included in products serving multi-billion dollar markets such as multi-vitamins, nutraceuticals, weight-loss, energy drinks, sports nutrition, meal replacements, infant formula, food and beverage products. Over the past two years, ChromaDex has built a significant patent portfolio pertaining to NR by separately acquiring patent rights from Cornell University, Dartmouth College and Washington University.

AboutNicotinamide Riboside (NR): Sometimes referred to as the "Miracle Molecule" or "Hidden Vitamin," NR is found naturally in trace amounts in milk and other foods and is a more potent, no-flush version of Niacin (vitamin B3).

Published research has shown that NR is perhaps the most effective NAD+ booster, an essential metabolite found in all cells. NAD+ is arguably the most important cellular co-factor for improvement of mitochondrial performance and energy metabolism. Mitochondria are the powerhouse of the cell where macronutrients are converted to energy the cell can use. Mitochondria also play an important part in the aging process. It is hoped that by stimulating mitochondrial function with the NR molecule, scientists may see increased longevity as well as other health improvements. Researchers worldwide continue seminal discoveries characterizing the unique properties of NR in a wide range of health benefits. These include: increasing mitochondrial health, increasing muscle endurance, neuroprotection, sirtuin activation, protection against weight gain on high fat diet, protection against oxidative stress, improvement of blood glucose and insulin sensitivity.

Findings from a recent study by Weill Cornell Medical College and the Ecole Polytechnique Federale de Lausanne, Switzerland researchers showed mice on a high-fat diet that were fed NR gained 60 percent less weight than mice eating the same high-fat diet without NR. Moreover, unlike the mice that were not fed NR, none of the NR-treated mice had indications that they were developing diabetes and they had improved energy and lower cholesterol levels, all without side effects. The Swiss researchers were quoted as saying the effects of NR on metabolism "are nothing short of astonishing."

A study by researchers from Harvard Medical School in conjunction with the National Institute on Aging was published in December 2013 in CELL demonstrated that mitochondrial dysfunction (a hallmark of ageing) in ageing mice is due to a disruption in Sirtuin1-dependent nuclear-mitochondrial communication. They further show that a reduction in NAD+ levels is responsible for this disruption. Excitingly, they also show that this mitochondrial dysfunction is readily reversible by administration of a NAD+ precursor. The authors show that "1 week of treatment with a compound that boosts NAD+ levels is sufficient to restore the mitochondrial homeostasis and key biochemical markers of muscle health in a 22-month-old mouse to levels similar to a 6-month-old mouse."

About Groningen Biomolecular Sciences and Biotechnology Institute (GBB): The Groningen Biomolecular Sciences and Biotechnology Institute (GBB) is a research institute at the Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences, University of Groningen. GBB also acts as a KNAW-accredited Dutch research school that since 2010 is embedded within the Graduate School of Science.

GBB has the ambition to perform research of the highest standard in the field of biomolecular sciences, studying microbial processes and cells. With strong roots in chemistry, biophysics, molecular biology, and genetics, GBB has become a well-recognized research institute in biomolecular science with a focus on genetic and metabolic processes and structure-function studies of the biomolecules involved. Recently, GBB has seen a remarkable growth in microbiological sciences, stimulated by strong teams incorporating modern approaches in genomics, single cell- and single molecule analyses, high-resolution microscopy, and advanced cell engineering. In view of the emerging societal and industrial need to develop sustainable bio-based processes, and the undisputed and important role that microbial processes play in this field, GBB strives to further concentrate its research profile in two focal areas: Molecular Mechanisms of Bioprocesses and Physiology and Systems Biology.

About ChromaDex:ChromaDex is an innovative natural products company that discovers, acquires, develops and commercializes proprietary-based ingredient technologies through its unique business model that utilizes its wholly owned synergistic business units, including ingredient technologies, natural product fine chemicals (known as "phytochemicals"), chemistry and analytical testing services, and product regulatory and safety consulting (as Spherix Consulting). The company provides seamless science-based solutions to the nutritional supplement, food and beverage, animal health, cosmetic and pharmaceutical industries. The ChromaDex ingredient technologies unit includes products backed with extensive scientific research and intellectual property. Its ingredient portfolio includes pTeroPure® pterostilbene; ProC3G®, a natural black rice containing cyanidin-3-glucoside; PURENERGY, a caffeine-pTeroPure co-crystal; and NIAGEN, its recently launched branded nicotinamide riboside, a novel next-generation B vitamin. To learn more about ChromaDex, visit www.chromadex.com.

Forward-Looking Statements: Any statements that are not historical facts contained in this release are forward-looking statements. Actual results may differ materially from those projected or implied in any forward-looking statements. Such statements involve risks and uncertainties, including but not limited to those relating to product and customer demand, market acceptance of our products, the effect of economic conditions both nationally and internationally, ability to protect our intellectual property rights, impact of any litigation or infringement actions brought against us, competition from other providers and products, risks in product development, our ability to raise capital to fund continuing operations, the ability to complete transactions, and other factors discussed from time to time in the Company's Securities and Exchange Commission filings. The Company undertakes no obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statement for events or circumstances after the date on which such statement is made except as required by law.